Oh Say Can You See/Breathe/Walk/Pee?

July 1, 2012 12:10 PM

Where is best elevated spot to watch NYC July 4th fireworks with someone who is low mobility and agoraphobic?

This question has been kicked around a lot previously. I have a twist on it. I am going to NYC on the 4th with someone who can't walk more than a mile and who has an aversion to wall to wall people. Is there any hope that we can find a place (perhaps a building with observation space) to watch where we don't have to wade through 1,000,000 bodies? BTW I was also told there were little or no toilet facilities for watchers which is also an issue.

posted by Xurando to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

Probably not what you are looking for, but DH and I are both able bodied and are watching on TV this year. The fireworks get worse and worse every year, and being able to flip to the DC fireworks is a lot better.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:26 PM on July 1, 2012

If you can stomach paying the $90/per person and can get there early enough to beat the crowds, the Circle Line party on the roof at Pier 83 looks like a possible answer to your needs.
posted by jcrcarter at 12:43 PM on July 1, 2012

The best views in Manhattan are around midtown up and down 12th Ave. The closest subway station will be at least 3/4 of a mile from 12th Ave, if you get off at 42nd and 8th. Given the street closures I wouldn't count on a taxi or bus to get me there.

Additionally as you near the designated viewing areas, the NYPD will set up barricades and herd pedestrian traffic. Usually they will make lanes going only in one direction, so you may have to go a little out of your way to reach your destination.

Someone who can't walk very far and dislikes crowds will definitely not enjoy being part of a wall-to-wall herd entering or exiting the area. Even if the viewing location you end up in doesn't seem crowded, the streets getting there and back will be. One writer's experience.
posted by kathryn at 1:29 PM on July 1, 2012 [1 favorite]

Cross the river to Hoboken via PATH train or ferry. Crowds, yes, but not nearly the clusterf&ck that it is Manhattan-side. If you have funds and they aren't sold out, maybe try getting a river-facing room at the W Hoboken, which is right on the river and I suspect will have extraordinary views. Many Jersey City business hotels are also on the waterfront and might be a good bet as well, though will require looking upriver.
posted by firstbest at 1:50 PM on July 1, 2012 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: The W says it can't guarantee a room with a view. Does it have a roof top bar? Are there any rooftop bars in Manhattan that might have a view?
posted by Xurando at 3:20 PM on July 1, 2012

The bar at ritz carlton in Battery Park City would've been a great option, but its closed from what I hear. If you're able to get a room there, you might still have luck.
posted by blaneyphoto at 3:40 PM on July 1, 2012

In the past, I've gone to the top of some parking garage in Long Island City. The view was great and it was really easy to get in and out. I can try to figure out exactly where the garage was if you want.
posted by BostonEnginerd at 7:23 PM on July 1, 2012

Long Island City would have worked when the fireworks were over the East River. They're on the Hudson now.

Try the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel in Weehawken. Apparently they have a small walkway where all guests can watch the fireworks, not just from the rooms.
posted by kathryn at 8:17 PM on July 1, 2012

You could also try having dinner at the chart house in weehawken - I'm sure the view would be great. No idea about the possibility of reservations though.
posted by blaneyphoto at 8:27 PM on July 1, 2012